The Chicago Bears (3-13) were blown out 41-10 by the Detroit Lions (8-8), which marked their ninth straight defeat of the season. It’s the longest losing streak in franchise history.
It was an ugly afternoon for the Bears, who scored their only points in the first quarter and were outscored 34-0 in the final three quarters. For the first time during this losing streak, the lack of effort was evident in Matt Eberflus’ group, and you have to wonder if the losing streak is finally getting to them.
There were no shortage of standout performances — mostly bad — in this loss. Here’s a look at our studs and duds from the Bears’ loss to the Lions.
STUD: QB Justin Fields
Let’s be honest, Fields has been a stud all season for carrying this offense on his back. Even more so against the Lions, where the pass protection was horrid, receivers were letting him down and his head coach wouldn’t protect him by taking him out in a blowout. But things were exciting for one quarter, where Fields rushed for 105 yards, including a couple of big runs of 60 and 31 yards. Fields rushed for 132 yards on 10 carries and is now 64 yards away from breaking Lamar Jackson’s single-season rushing record by a quarterback.
DUD: Bears pass protection
The Bears offensive line needs to be overhauled this offseason, and their inability to pass block is a huge reason why. Fields was under duress for the entire game, including being sacked five times in the first half. Chicago allowed seven sacks on Fields against a Lions team that was averaging two sacks per game heading into Week 17. Losing Teven Jenkins, their best offensive lineman, certainly didn’t help matters. Rookie left tackle Braxton Jones had a particularly rough afternoon, and it’s clear no starting jobs are guaranteed next season.
STUD: WR Velus Jones Jr.
The only other player worth positive recognition is rookie Velus Jones Jr., who has redeemed himself over the last couple of games. Jones showcased his speed both on offense and special teams as a kick return specialist. He had one run for 13 yards. But he really impressed on special teams with an impressive 63-yard kickoff return, his fourth return of 40-plus yards in the last six games.
DUD: Bears run defense
The entire defense is a dud on this list, so we’re going to make our way down the list here. Let’s start with the run defense, which was atrocious against a Lions run game that only mustered 45 yards against the Panthers a week ago. Detroit rushed for 265 yards, and Chicago had no answer for D’Andre Swift or Jamaal Williams, who averaged 7.1 and 6.5 yards per carry, respectively, and both accounted for a touchdown.
DUD: Bears passing game
Chicago’s passing game has been abysmal this season, but it was at its worst against Detroit on New Year’s Day. The Bears netted just 30 passing yards with Justin Fields completing 7-of-21 passes for 75 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Fields was under duress all afternoon and he wasn’t helped by his receivers, who dropped passes. Chase Claypool, making his return to the lineup, was targeted just once — late in the fourth quarter. I all, receivers had just 3 catches for 36 yards. Tight end Cole Kmet led the team with 27 yards on two catches and a score.
DUD: Bears pass defense
While Chicago’s trio of rookie cornerbacks were able to contain the Bills’ passing game last week, Jared Goff absolutely shredded the Bears’ secondary. Goff completed 21-of-29 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown had four catches for 62 yards. It was a rough afternoon for rookies Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon and for a defense that lacked effort for the first time this season.
DUD: Bears pass rush
Sure, the Bears had two sacks, including their first since Week 12. But the pass rush continues to be a gaping hole on this roster. Jared Goff had all day in the pocket to throw, and Chicago struggled to get pressure.
DUD: HC Matt Eberflus
For the first time all season, Matt Eberflus’ team threw in the towel in what was Chicago’s worst loss of the season. There was an evident lack of effort on both sides of the ball, which led to Chicago’s worst loss of the season. But perhaps Eberflus’ most egregious mistake was keeping Justin Fields, the team’s future, in the game for way longer than he needed to. Fields was under duress all afternoon, and there wasn’t much to gain from keeping him in the game under those conditions and with the threat of injury.
DUD: Officiating
Apparently, Justin Fields’ head is fair game in the NFL. Once again, the league continues to ignore blatant hits to the head on Fields. The hit in question even led Fields to be evaluated for a concussion, so it makes no sense why these officials continue to miss these calls — especially when other quarterbacks consistently get them.
